1997 Barolo
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Tasting notes
Giacomo Conterno's 1997 Barolo Cascina Francia was also fabulous. The 1997 vintage seems to have yielded great wines in some of Piedmont's poorer soils, as this heroic Barolo amply demonstrated. The 1997 was pure Serralunga Barolo, which is to say roses, tar and licorice galore on a frame of substantial depth and pure breed.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This first flight explored the four most recent vintages of Cascina Francia, which offer something for every palate. The 1997 and 2000 are very immediate, pleasing Barolos, while the 1999 is the most classic and layered wine. The 1998 has always been atypically closed for the vintage, although it reveals much character and beauty with decanting. 1997 Barolo Cascina Francia—Dark ruby. Incredibly beautiful nose of dried flowers and sweet fruit. The 1997 is dense and lush on the palate, showing very ripe dark cherry fruit, with notable extract and glycerin. Another wine that is just singing today, the alluring and irresistible 1997 offers superb drinking now.
Full-blown very traditional nose. On the palate, actually disappointing traditional – almost a caricature: too open on the nose and to rustic on the palate for me, though there is no doubting the power. Maybe it will eventually mature into a whole..? (JR)
About the producer
Giacomo Conterno is arguably Barolo’s most celebrated estate. While most famous for its Monfortino Riserva, the quality found in every bottling of Nebbiolo and Barbera at this address makes them a benchmark producer for both varieties.